News OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling

Financial Flash Newsletter

June 2010 Edition

OnTrack + Women + Financial Education = Empowerment!

The grand opening for OnTrack's Women's Financial Empowerment Center will be Thursday, August 12 at 9:00 am. The Women's Financial Empowerment Center is made possible thanks to funding from the Women-for-Women Fund of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The Center will host Women-Centered financial education and counseling designed to empower women to reach their financial goals.

June is National Homebuyer Education Month

Listen to our June Money Matters Radio Shows Highlighting Homeownership in our Community

Shows feature local lenders, real estate professionals, and the OnTrack Homebuyer Education Program Coordinator.

A Tale of Homeownership

Personal investment, hard work, and matched savings from Mission's emplower assistance program made homeownership a reality for the White Family.

Time to Rebuilt Your Credit?

OnTrack offers do's and don'ts to help get your credit back on track.

Thinking about buying a home? Want to learn more about the process?

OnTrack offers comprehensive homebuyer education that provides a step-by-step explanation of the homebuying process.

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May 2010 Edition

OnTrack Receives US Treasury CDFI Grant

OnTrack's program HomeRun: Coaching for Homeownership is one of only five programs nationwide to receive competitive 3-year federal grant funding.

OnTrack Celebrates Leaders in Financial Literacy

On Friday, May 14th, OnTrack recognized the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, Henderson County JobLink, Buncombe County TV, Doug Roth, and Gwen Jones.

New Pilot Group for Chronic OverSpenders

Beginning this June, OnTrack is piloting a new psycho-educational group for compulsive spenders. Chronic overspending may affect over 10,000 spenders in Asheville.

Education Classes Offer Free Help with Understanding Credit, Debt Relief, and Avoiding Foreclosure

Spring is upon us and it's time to brush up on the financial topics important to your financial and housing well-being.

Click here to view our 2010 Client of the Year feature video.

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April 2010 Edition

National Financial Literacy Survey

Consumer behavior improves but need for money management skills is still evident as more than one-third of Americans give themselves low grades on their understanding of personal finance.

Focus on Youth - Teach Children to Save Day Event April 27

OnTrack is partnering with Asheville Savings Bank on Tuesday, April 27th, for "Roll Your Change Day." Throughout the day children can use Coinstar machines for FREE at specific Asheville Savings Bank locations to cash in loose change.

Continuing Education Seminar by Parsec Financial - "Navigating Tax Free Accounts"

On May 14th, Rick Manske of Parsec Financial will explore Roth, Roth Conversions, 529s, and HSAs. CE approved by the NC State Bar and CFP Board; also available to CPAs. General public welcome.

Legislative Alert - Saver's Credit Expansion

Opportunity to support legislation that will increase benefits and availability of Saver's Credit, potentially increasing national savings by $44 billion.

 

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March 2010 Edition

CARD Act: Five Actions to Maximize New Rules

OnTrack suggests five actions for consumers to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the CARD Act.

BBB Free Shred Day

Offering free identity theft protection guidelines and on-site document shredding.

Tax Refund: Time to Evaluate your Withholding Allowances

What would you rather have, a lump sum tax refund of $2,600 or monthly payments of $216 for a year? OnTrack suggests that consumers review their withholding allowances to make sure that the proper amount is taken out of each paycheck.

Consumer Alert: Auto Dealer Financing Red Flags

Consumers who rely on the dealer to finance their auto loans are vulnerable to a litany of predatory practices. Here are four schemes to look out for.

 

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February 2010 Edition

OnTrack Rental Services

Rental Education classes, one-on-one counseling, The Buncombe County Rental Guide, and HomeBase rental assistance help low-income families secure and sustain affordable rental housing.

Go Direct: Federal Benefits Direct Deposit Program for Seniors

Are you or someone close to you still receiving federal benefit payments by paper check? Go Direct give Americans a fast, easy way to sign up for direct deposit by phone or online.

Foreclosure Crisis Update

The government's Making Home Affordable Program has saved homeowners over $2.2 billion. The FHA changes FICO credit score requirements, allowable seller concessions, and MIP fees.

Announcing: 2010 OnTrack Board of Directors and Officers

Cedric Nash, Dawn Starks, Jack Wells, José Gonzales, and Rusty Edwards join OnTrack's Board of Directors.

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January 2010 Edition

OnTrack's Free Tax Prep Program Begins its Fourth Season

In 2009, OnTrack's free tax program helped 503 working families in WNC complete their taxes for free.  Now, OnTrack's 2010 tax season is in full swing.

Announcing: The 2010 Youth Poster Contest

OnTrack, Asheville Savings Bank, and the NFCC announce the 2010 Be Money-Wi$e poster contest for grades 3, 4, and 5. The local winner receives $100 and entry in the national contest.

Navigate the College Financial Aid Process

Free seminars presented by the College Foundation of NC.

OnTrack Receives Statewide Foreclosure Prevention Award

OnTrack was recently recognized with an award from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency  for achieving the “Highest Approval Rate” for North Carolina’s Home Protection Program.    

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November 2009 Edition

Mad City Money Program at Asheville High School

Picture this: 250 High School Freshmen charged with the task of navigating the financial world of Mad City Money, armed with a check register, a fictional identity, and one goal in mind - to implement a balanced budget by the end of the course.

Ask a CPA Day

Have you been waiting for the opportunity to ask a CPA for professional advice? "Ask a CPA Day" on Saturday, January 9 is your chance to have your questions answered.

Foreclosure Crisis - National Program Mitigates Crisis

In December 2007, congress signed legislation authorizing $130 million to the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program, making significant impact in sustaining homeownership.

Cow Flop for Affordable Housing - Good Old Fashioned Fun

What do a Saturday morning in the mountains, a wandering cow in a pasture, and affordable homeownership have in common? They are all part of the Fourth Annual Cow Flop Fundraiser!

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October 2009 Inaugural Edition

Foreclosure Update: Crisis to Extend Two More Years

As the economy slowly recovers, the foreclosure crisis continues to affect millions of Americans and is projected to continue for another 24 months.

NAACP Credit Awareness Project Receives a New Sponsor

Since 2000, OnTrack has provided FREE credit reports at the NAACP. Telco Community Credit Union is the new program sponsor, offering free credit reports twice monthly.

Protect Your Identity Week: Useful Tips to Thwart ID Theft

In 2008, 10 million Americans fell victim to identity theft fraud costing more than $48 million. OnTrack offers useful tips to thwart identity theft.

Reverse Mortgages: Determine if it is a Good Choice

Reverse Mortgages can be a useful tool to access valuable home equity for homeowners over age 62. OnTrack has expanded their reverse mortgage counseling services to help homeowners evaluate the loan product for their particular financial situation.

United Way NFCC Council on Accreditation